Josh Jordan is a Senior Communications Manager for the J.R. Simplot Company, and he explains after noticing the heavy build up they called in KGS Group, a consulting engineer firm. KGS found that the amount of snow and ice was of concern, and proceeded to recommend Simplot should take steps to remove some of it. Jordan notes it's unfortunate they had to shut down but adds the safety of personnel remains a priority.

"The safety of our personnel is obviously the most important thing for us," says Jordan. "We'll be able to make up any lost time by running a little bit more through when we're back up and running."

Jordan adds they are hoping to be back open come this Saturday.

He notes, everyone there is ready for spring.

]]>Breanne NeudorfThu, 21 Feb 2019 22:43:43 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/snow-causes-shut-down-at-simplot-s-portage-potato-facilityConsiderations When Shopping For Your Next Bullhttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/considerations-when-shopping-for-your-next-bull
Beef producers are looking for their new herd sires this time of year.

Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) Research and Innovation Coordinator, Stacey Domolewski, says there's no one type of bull perfect for all operations.

Domolewski says it's important to determine the goals of new herd sires prior to the sale, such as whether the bull will be used for heifers, a terminal cross or used as a maternal sire.

"Everybody has different things that they're looking to select for in their herd and within their operation, so rather than trying to find the best bull, it's more about finding the right fit for the operation."

She says it's also important to consider the bull's confirmation traits.

Domolewski notes birth weight is just one of the factors which needs to be taken into consideration when selecting for calving ease.

"The shape of that calf, the cow herd in general, the size of your cows play a role as well. There is an EPD (Expected Progeny Differences) for calving ease which does take into effect not only birth weight, but some other factors as well."

She adds selecting more feed efficient bulls won't produce immediate results, but it is a very heritable trait which can be seen by retaining heifers and bull selection.

For more information you can check out the Beef Cattle Research Council blog series.

"We have a large focus on soybeans, that is the majority of acres that we represent, so we have a multitude of trials to look at in soybeans, whether it's inoculants, seed treatments, fungicide. We're also trying to focus more on pulse crops. So we're trying to increase our presence in dry beans and field beans and even looking at faba bean data as well."

Farmers who participate will receive a statistical analysis following the trial. Those interested in participating in this year's trials can go to www.manitobapulse.ca.

MPSG has been investing in on-farm research since 2012.

]]>Cory KnuttThu, 21 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/mpsg-looking-for-on-farm-research-participantsTilray To Acquire Manitoba Harvesthttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/tilray-to-acquire-manitoba-harvest
Cannabis producer Tilray Inc., based in Nanaimo, B.C., has announced a deal to acquire Manitoba Harvest for up to $419 million dollars in cash and stock.

Manitoba Harvest was founded in 1998 and is the world’s largest hemp food manufacturer and a leader in the natural foods industry. The company's products are sold in over 16,000 stores at major retailers across the U.S. and Canada.

“We are excited about being an important part of the growth strategy for Tilray,” said Bill Chiasson, Manitoba Harvest CEO. “By leveraging our combined strengths and capabilities, we will be able to accelerate our mission of transforming consumer health through the power of hemp.”

Tilray plans to accelerate its expansion into the U.S. and Canadian Markets, where legal, for CBD products. The companies plan to work together to develop new CBD wellness products and hemp-based consumer food products.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Manitoba Harvest will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tilray Inc.

]]>Cory KnuttWed, 20 Feb 2019 19:44:39 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/tilray-to-acquire-manitoba-harvestCFIA Publishes Amendments To Health Of Animals Regulations On Animal Transportationhttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/cfia-publishes-amendments-to-health-of-animals-regulations-on-animal-transportation
On Wednesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) published amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations on animal transportation.

The overall objective is that animals arrive at their destination safely, and are suitably fed, hydrated and rested.

"As a veterinarian, I am happy to say that Canada has improved the well-being of animals during the entire transportation process," said Dr. Jaspinder Komal, Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer. "The changes to the humane transport regulations better align Canada's requirements with international partners (for example the United States, Australia and the European Union), as well as the OIE's animal welfare standards for animals transported by land, air and sea."

The amendments come after extensive consultations with farm groups, transporters, members of the public and interested groups. They also take into account the latest research on animal transportation and international standards.

The CFIA says the amendments will increase consumer confidence, strengthen Canada's international trade status and facilitate market access. The agency notes approximately 98% of shipments are already in compliance with the new food, water and rest requirements.

Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, announced that it has acquired the Clearfield Canola Production System in Canada and the United States from BASF.

Clearfield canola is a globally-recognized non-genetically modified herbicide tolerance system consisting of an herbicide tolerance trait and Imidazolinone herbicides sold today in Canada primarily under the brand, Ares.

The acquisition enables Corteva, which previously licensed the Clearfield canola trait in both the Pioneer and Brevant seeds brands, to expand its position to include out-licensing of the Clearfield canola trait to other seed companies in Canada and the United States.

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

]]>Cory KnuttWed, 20 Feb 2019 17:49:58 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/corteva-agriscience-acquires-clearfield-canola-in-canada-and-u-sGovernment Invests In Animal Welfarehttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/government-invests-in-animal-welfare
On Tuesday, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced an investment of up to $4.56 million to the Canadian Animal Health Coalition.

The investment was made on behalf of the National Farm Animal Care Council, to help update and develop codes of practice for the care and handling of farm animals.

“Our Government is proud to support the livestock and aquaculture sectors in their efforts to raise healthy, productive and well-cared animals," said MacAulay. "This investment will ensure Canadian standards are in place and up-to-date to meet new and emerging consumer and market demands, while building consumer confidence about how farmed animals are raised and transported.”

The investment will be divided between four activities including:

- Updating the transportation Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals during transport;

- Updating the dairy Code of Practice that will address new scientific findings, changes in industry practices and address changes in market and consumer demands;

- Updating the goat Code of Practice that will respond to growing buyer and consumer expectations for on-farm animal welfare; and

- Developing a new Code of Practice for farmed finfish.

The money is flowing through the AgriAssurance program, which is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The Manitoba Corn Growers Association (MCGA) has released an updated manual for growing corn entitled “Field Corn Production in Manitoba - A Guide for Crop Management and Agronomy”.

The manual was updated and reviewed by agronomists, pathologists, and entomologists from institutions such as the MCGA, Manitoba Agriculture and the University of Manitoba. There is a significant amount of new content added from the 2013 edition.

Over the past five years, MCGA has received significant financial support from the Provincial and Federal Governments for research in corn production. That research has yielded results and information on agronomic issues including crop rotation, residue management/strip tillage, phosphorus fertilization, corn row spacing, Goss's Wilt management, fertilizer use patterns, and nitrogen fertilizer management strategies for modern corn hybrids in Manitoba.

The Field Corn Production in Manitoba manual includes current production information for growing corn, including chapters on growth and development, hybrid selection, cultural practices, soil nutrition and fertility (including residue management), weed management, disease management, insect management, diagnostics, and harvesting and storage.

Members of the MCGA will receive a complimentary copy, while the guide will also be made available for purchase to others.

]]>Cory KnuttWed, 20 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/new-corn-growing-manual-availableImportant To Monitor Sow Body Conditionhttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/important-to-monitor-sow-body-condition
It's important for hog producers to pay close attention to the body condition of their sows.

Dr. Mark Knauer, swine extension specialist with North Carolina State University, spoke about the issue earlier this month at the Manitoba Swine Seminar.

"If she's too thin, she's going to have poor reproductive throughput and potentially be an animal well-being concern...Fat sows, they hit us twice. Not only are they going to result in higher feed costs but they are also going to result in poorer reproductive throughput."

Dr. Knauer notes many new body condition measurement tools have become available to producers over the last decade.

"We are excited to have the MBA join MFGA," said Darren Chapman, MFGA chair. "Not only does it continue to promote MFGA as the connector for agriculture, government and conservation groups interested in grasslands and forage crops to work together, having the MBA onside also brings their expertise to the table. It's very exciting times for MFGA to add a valued like-minded partner like MBA to our board."

The other four commodity groups on the board are Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Hay Exporters, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and the Manitoba Sheep Association.

Manitoba Outstanding Young Farmer winner Brooks White of Borderland Agriculture at Pierson, MB will represent the Manitoba Bison Association on the MFGA Board.

"The Manitoba Bison Association is excited to enter into this new venture with the MFGA ," said White. "I see many opportunities for our organizations to benefit from working together. The prairie grasslands and the bison have a deep history of evolving together in North America and it is only fitting to bring these two groups together."

]]>Cory KnuttTue, 19 Feb 2019 18:27:55 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/manitoba-bison-association-joins-mfga-boardPrairie Grain Monitor Provides Updatehttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/prairie-grain-monitor-provides-update
Canada's Prairie grain monitor says that as of the end of December, there was roughly 22 million metric tonnes of grain moved out of the country.

Quorum Corporation President Mark Hemmes says that's on an 80.5 million metric tonne supply, which is the second largest grain supply ever.

"The reason that we're seeing more is partly because of the production numbers continually growing and that's largely because improved yield, improved agronomics," explained Hemmes. "I think farmers are investing more in seed and other imputs."

Hemmes says the railways were performing well up until the end of December, however performance has declined since then.

]]>Cory KnuttTue, 19 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/prairie-grain-monitor-provides-updateManitoba Canola Growers Hosts AGM At CropConnecthttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/manitoba-canola-growers-hosts-agm-at-cropconnect
About 80 people were in attendance at the Manitoba Canola Growers AGM held last week at CropConnect in Winnipeg.

Executive Director Delaney Ross Burtnack says it was a good meeting.

"No resolutions this year but I still have a pretty good list of things to look into on our members' behalf," commented Ross Burtnack. "Conversation about seed prices and how we can manage the increasing seed prices in canola. Questions about seed treatments and some of the challenges going on with the neonicotinoid products and Pest Management Regulatory activities there."

Clubroot and tight canola rotations were also discussed at the meeting.

Ross Burtnack notes there will be no changes to the board in 2019, with Starbuck farmer Chuck Fossay remaining on as President.

The organization is expecting canola acres to remain constant this year, a little bit above the three million acre mark.

]]>Cory KnuttTue, 19 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/manitoba-canola-growers-hosts-agm-at-cropconnectSunflower Grower Group Hoping For More Acres In 2019https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/sunflower-grower-group-hoping-for-more-acres-2019
The National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) held its Annual General Meeting last week at CropConnect in Winnipeg.

The group notes sunflower planting in Manitoba fell short of expectations due to lower contract pricing and competitive crops. There were about 43,000 acres of sunflowers harvested in Manitoba last year, with 65% of those acres planted to oilseed. Yields in 2018 hit new records for both oilseed and confection sunflowers.

President Mark McDonald talked about his expectations for the 2019 growing season.

"Everything's ebbs and flows with other commodity prices...I think new contracts are out now so hopefully a pleasant surprise in increased acres next year."

McDonald says the proposed amalgamation will be important if the organization wants to continue to function as it has in the past. NSAC posted a net loss of $82,807 in 2018.

]]>Cory KnuttMon, 18 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/sunflower-grower-group-hoping-for-more-acres-2019Nutrien Ag Solutions Wins 4R Nutrient Stewardship Awardhttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/nutrien-ag-solutions-wins-4r-nutrient-stewardship-award
Nutrien Ag Solutions was recognized this week with the fifth annual 4-R Nutrient Stewardship Agri-Retailer Award, which is given out each year during the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers Conference. The award is sponsored by Fertilizer Canada.

4-R Nutrient Stewardship means the right source at the right rate, right time, and right place.

"4R Nutrient Stewardship is an integral part of how Nutrien Ag Solutions services our grower customers. With the continued evolution of precision farming and other strategies designed to enhance efficiency, the ability to use technology to meet our farmer's unique business and agronomic needs has become a higher priority for the Nutrien Ag Solutions team," said Roger Bortis, Canadian Retailer Manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions. "We continue to build systems to minimize nutrient loss to the air and water and protect soil quality, while providing growers what they need to support their families and build vibrant communities."

]]>Cory KnuttThu, 14 Feb 2019 18:36:27 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/nutrien-ag-solutions-wins-4r-nutrient-stewardship-awardImproving Sprayer Efficiencyhttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/improving-sprayer-efficiency
Farmers are spending 33% of their time in the sprayer idling, 22% in transport and only about 45% of their time actually spraying.

That from Tom Wolf from Agrimetrix Research and Training, who was sharing some interesting stats from John Deere.

Wolf feels farmers should be looking at ways to increase their time and efficiency in the sprayer.

“The first step really is to do an accounting," he said. "We want to know how are you spending your time. How long does it take you to fill the sprayer, to clean the sprayer, or enter some records? Most of the time we pull into the field and the first thing we need to do is get the monitor set up.”

He notes it’s a farmer’s responsibility to improve their spraying operations so that the non-farming public can have faith in stewardship practices.

Farmers want to make sure they are not causing spray drift or contamination of water sources when cleaning out the sprayer.

Wolf says new technology coming out means farmers will be able to move to site-specific spraying. Some of the new artificial intelligence technology is able to detect weeds, disease, insects as well as even the nutrient status of your plants through a phone app or drone imagery.

Outgoing Chair John Preun talked about the mood heading into this growing season.

"I think growers are a little cautious of the whole market thing because we have a little bit of a trade war going on with China and the United States and we fall right in the middle of it," he said. "Guys are a little cautious about what they want to grow and how much they want to grow. It affect our prices fairly significantly."

Preun is expecting to see a drop of about 100,000 soybean acres in the province this year.

"We've come off of two very, very dry years in the province and the beans haven't been the bright, shining star they once were. I think growers, who are traditional soybean growers, they're going to continue on growing beans because they see the value in growing them."

Calvin Penner of Elm Creek will be taking over the position of chair for MPSG. Also at the AGM, the organization honoured outgoing director Rick Vaags of Dugald, who joined the board back in 2011.

(L-R) John Preun with outgoing director Rick Vaags

]]>Cory KnuttFri, 15 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/soybean-growers-cautious-heading-into-2019-growing-seasonU of M Researcher Studying Edible Bean Yieldshttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/u-of-m-researcher-studying-edible-bean-yields
A research agronomist with the University of Manitoba is studying whether a proceeding crop can affect edible bean yields.

Kristen MacMillian explained her work.

"Farmers have crop rotations and crops interact differently...Where we place beans in our rotation, does it affect bean yield and productivity? There's many reasons why they interact, whether that's disease pressure, through common hosts. Whether that's nutrient dynamics, rooting patterns, etc. I've planted wheat, corn, canola, and beans and then I'm following that with pinto beans to see which of those treatments produce the highest pinto bean yield."

MacMillian is also looking at the effect of residue on bean yield.

]]>Cory KnuttThu, 14 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/u-of-m-researcher-studying-edible-bean-yieldsFirst 24 Hours Of Pig Care Are Very Importanthttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/first-24-hours-of-pig-care-are-very-important
It's important to pay extra close attention to pigs during the first 24 hours of care.

Dennis Stevenson with Zoetis says this can pay dividends down the road.

"A lot of the studies are starting to suggest that these sows that we have on our farms, they have been affected by how much colostrum they received as a baby pig and it affects how they become a mother and how much milk they produce and how there piglets grow later on. The effect is actually all the way through the lives of these sows."

Stevenson notes there is always room for improvement when dealing with animal care.

]]>Cory KnuttThu, 14 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/first-24-hours-of-pig-care-are-very-importantReframing The Conversation Around Antibioticshttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/reframing-the-conversation-around-antibiotics
Farmers need to reframe the conversation on the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture.

That from Dr. Leah Dorman with Phibro Animal Health.

"I think it's important because there is a lot of misinformation swirling out there and that's swirling lots of places. In the general media, it's certainly swirling on the Internet, and there's certainly some non-governmental organizations, activist groups, etc, out there that are also providing lots of misinformation and so it is key for us to join in that conversation and talk about what we do and why we do it, with anitbiotics. Why we use them, what are the benefits to the animal, the environment, and to the consumer."

Dorman says even with the best care, an antibiotic may still be required for the well-being of the animal.

She adds its important to earn trust with the consumer by discussing shared values, adding once this is done, then scientific facts can be brought to the conversation.

Tammy Jones was a guest speaker at the Edible Bean Meetings held last week in Altona and Portage la Prairie.

"I think we need to look at narrowing our rows so that we have canopy closure earlier," she said. "Try and grow as competitive of a bean as you can within edible beans. That's a little bit challenging, but a leafier bean, something that's going to help with with canopy closure. Also, make sure that your seeding rates are up as high as you can and then we need to look at either cover crops or inter-row tillage to maybe use some of those tools to minimize our weed pressure rather than just looking at herbicides as the only tool out there."

Jones says if using herbicides, it's important to find one that suits edible beans and to consider layering them.

]]>Cory KnuttWed, 13 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/weed-specialist-discusses-edible-beansMacAulay Announces Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Programhttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/macaulay-announces-canadian-agricultural-strategic-priorities-program
The federal government has announced an investment of $50.3 million over five years for the new Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP).

"Canada's agricultural sector is strong and growing," said AAFC Minister Lawrence MacAulay. "Our farmers know that to stay competitive and on the cutting edge we need to continue to adapt and develop new and innovative approaches to agriculture. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the sector find new ways to respond to new and emerging issues, and seize new market opportunities."

The program focuses on four priority areas: adoption of new technology; environmental sustainability; strategic development and capacity building; and, emerging issues.

Examples of potential projects could include those addressing artificial intelligence technology, tools to assess future labour and skills needs, bio-crops, environmentally sustainable farming techniques and strategies to help the sector adapt to changes in consumer preferences.

A University of Winnipeg research project has received a $250,000 Weston Seeding Food Innovation Grant.

The project will examine ways to train a computer to recognize and tend for prairie crops. To do this, the system would need to access extensive examples of plants and weeds.

“The main goal of our research project is to develop the means to automatically generate and label these images through a computer controlled camera system. We will then make the images publicly available for use by Canadian researchers and companies, because the fastest way to innovation is to get this data into the hands of more innovators,” said UWinnipeg physics professor, Dr. Christopher Bidinosti.

The research team includes experts from UWinnipeg, Red River College, the University of Saskatchewan, Northstar Robotics, Sightline Innovation, the Canola Council of Canada, and Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers.

The Weston Seeding Food Innovation Grant provides seed funding for interdisciplinary research or technology development to help accelerate solutions to sustainable food challenges, with a focus on food production, distribution and consumption initiatives that primarily impact Canadians, but also deliver key learning toward issues of global concern.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) surveyed over 2,000 Canadian producers and found 25 per cent have become less comfortable with sharing data with outside organizations, such as suppliers, over the last two years.

About 70 per cent said data treatment is very, or extremely important when selecting an agriculture tech provider.

"There is no doubt that privacy and protection control over where and how farm data is used is a top-of mind issue for a majority of producers," says FCC Marketing Vice-President, Fred Wall. "At the same time, most see the benefits of using technology to improve their operations, reduce paperwork and help them make better decisions in a growing and dynamic industry."

The survey shows 69 percent still believe technology can increase efficiency and lower costs on their operations.

]]>Jessica GilesTue, 12 Feb 2019 19:06:32 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/survey-shows-farmers-cautious-about-sharing-farm-dataFederal Government Invests In Bioeconomyhttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/federal-government-invests-in-bioeconomy
The federal government has announced an investment of up to $7 million to the Biomass Cluster under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Cluster, led by the BioFuelNet Canada Network, will include an additional $3.1 million in contributions from industry, for a total investment of $10.1 million.

"Our Government is proud to support innovation that will help position Canada's agricultural sector as a leader in the production of bioenergy and other bioproducts," said AAFC Minister Lawrence MacAulay. "This investment in biomass research will help farmers manage agricultural waste, reduce energy costs and environmental impacts, while creating new market opportunities for Canadian bioenergy."

This new research cluster will drive innovation and help improve technologies for processing agricultural biomass, including waste material, which can then be used as a renewable and sustainable starting material for production of cleaner bioenergy, and other bio-based products. The cluster will focus on three key areas of research including:

- Advanced technologies to boost biomass production;- Using biomass heat and energy to extend the greenhouse growing season in Northern Canada; and- Reducing production costs and expanding export markets for biomass.

As part of the research cluster, McGill University will receive up to $888,061 in funding for a project that will focus on the development of biological inputs that will enhance the growth of biomass crops including switchgrass.

"It's one of those humbling experiences, we do what we do not to be recognized like that, but it is kind of a nice pat on the back in recognition for the hard work and the effort we're putting into things here on the farm," said Lisa.

The couple have been farming for over 10 years.

"We've been doing the bale grazing and we rotate our animals around in the summer-time so everything's out on pasture and everything's planned grazing," added Lisa. "We're giving areas of land the rest that they need and keeping everything moving to help produce those healthy plants."

Lisa and Cameron received the award last week at a banquet held in Brandon as part of Manitoba Beef Producers' 40th Annual General Meeting.

Hodgins Farms now qualifies for the national TESA award which will be handed out at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.

Agriculture is taking centre stage across the country on Tuesday, February 12 in celebration of Canada's Agriculture Day.

Agriculture More Than Ever Manager Debbie Bailey says the day is about getting people together to talk about their food in fun and engaging ways.

"We're seeing events like a celebrity cook-off or movie screenings of this new movie out called 'Before The Plate'. We're seeing lunch and learns, there's school events, there's open houses. Staff are even getting together to do potluck meals and really focusing in on the Canadian food that goes into making their meals."

President of AgResource Company in Chicago, Dan Basse says U.S. corn and soybean yields are down.

"Soybean yield fell half a bushel per acre, corn almost two and a half, so that was supportive to the overall theme but then as we looked at the demand side of things, the Chinese soybean import number was dropped two million metric tonnes. Brazil's crop came down five million metric tonnes to 117 million metric tonnes, while the Argentinian corn crop got record large at 46 million metric tonnes."

Basse says U.S. farmers also decided to plant their lowest amount of winter wheat in 110 years.

He adds now they're just waiting to see what will happen in the U.S. - Chinese trade negotiations next week.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has calculated that by Saturday, February 9, 2019, a Canadian household of average income will have earned enough to pay their entire year's grocery bill.

Each year, CFA examines the proportion of income that Canadians spend on food as a way to explore year-over-year expenditure changes and raise consumers' understanding of Canada's food system, from Farm-Gate-to-Plate.

In a news release, CFA stated that Canadians spent 11% of their disposable income on food in 2018, which is in line with the 11% of disposable income spent on food in 2017. While prices for some foods are set to increase in 2019, these increased have occurred alongside similar increases in disposable income. As a result, this year's Food Freedom Day falls on the same day as last year's date, February 9th.

"Food Freedom Day is an opportunity to appreciate all that goes into producing our food - and the connections along the path toward our dinner tables. Canada has one of the most efficient, safe and affordable food systems in the world, and Food Freedom Day is an excellent way for Canadians to visualize how fortunate we as Canadians are to have access to such a diversity of affordable food," said Ron Bonnett, CFA President.

CFA says farmers only receive a small percentage of the price that consumers pay for food, particularly when the costs of production are taken into account.

The group adds that Canadian farmers continue to adapt to widely varying costs for inputs such as fuel and fertilizer, and to balance their plans against uncertainties in the marketplace.

]]>Cory KnuttFri, 08 Feb 2019 19:28:27 -0600https://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/february-9-is-food-freedom-dayGovernments Support On-Farm Beef Verification Programhttps://pembinavalleyonline.com/ag-news/governments-support-on-farm-beef-verification-program
The Canadian and Manitoba governments are providing $350,000 over five years to Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) to deliver the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program.

“Our government is proud to support the Manitoba Beef Producers in their efforts to meet the highest industry standards and adopt responsible and sustainable practices,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay. “This investment will help the beef sector continue to meet consumer demands for high-quality food while maintaining trust and confidence in Canada’s world-class production standards.”

The VBP program is a national program that helps producers meet industry standards for food safety. In 2016, VBP expanded to include modules for animal care, biosecurity and environmental stewardship and is now called VBP+.

“More and more companies are making commitments to purchasing beef from sustainable sources,” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. “The VBP+ program will ensure that processors and consumers who demand a high-quality product can be confident in the product they are purchasing.”

The VBP+ program includes a full suite of resources and training designed to establish a common platform to help producers meet marketplace and societal expectations. The Manitoba Beef Producers will deliver VBP+ workshops to train beef producers about the program, coordinate the required on farm audits and transition producers from VBP to VBP+.

“Verified Beef Production Plus is a transparent and comprehensive way to show consumers that our producers care about how we treat the environment, how we treat our livestock and that we take care to produce the highest-quality of beef,” said Tom Teichroeb, president, Manitoba Beef Producers. “Public trust is important to beef producers and we are happy to have both the federal and provincial government as partners as we encourage more of our producers to have their good practices recognized by this program.”

The funding is being provided through Ag Action Manitoba under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.